Determination of optimum cutting parameters during machining of AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel

High strength, low thermal conductivity, high ductility and high work hardening tendency of austenitic stainless steels are the main factors that make their machinability difficult. In this study determination of the optimum cutting speed has been aimed when turning an AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel using cemented carbide cutting tools. The influence of cutting speed on tool wear and surface roughness was investigated. A decrease in tool wear was observed with increasing the cutting speed up to 180 m/min. Surface roughness (Ra) was also decreased with increasing the cutting speed. Correlation was made between the tool wear/surface roughness and the chips obtained at the three cutting speeds of 120, 150 and 180 m/min.